Crisis Helplines
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 or chat 988Lifeline.org
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. (Please note, the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number will continue to function indefinitely.)
SAMHSA's National Helpline
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
SAMHSA's National Helpline provides 24-hour free and confidential treatment referral and information about mental and/or substance use disorders, prevention, and recovery in English and Spanish.
Disaster Distress Helpline
1-800-985-5990
Text “TalkWithUs” to 66746
SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is a national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth. Call, Chat, or Text to get immediate help.
NAMI HelpLine: National Alliance on Mental Illness
1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org
NAMI HelpLine and lists additional crisis support information on their website.
Crisis Text Line
Text “HOME” to 741741
Crisis Text Line is available for any crisis, connect by text to a trained crisis counselor who can respond in real time from a secure online platform.
Veterans Crisis Line
1-800-273-8255
Veterans Crisis Line connects veterans in crisis with qualified and caring Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) responders. Uses private, free hotline, chat, or text. Also for families and friends of veterans.
YouthLine
1-877-968-8491
Text “teen2teen” to 839863
YouthLine is a free, confidential teen-to-teen crisis and help line. Available from 4-10 Pacific Time (adults available by phone at all other times).
Behavioral Health Resources
MedlinePlus: Mental Health and Behavior
MedlinePlus includes a listing of health topics related to mental health and behavior. Each of those health topic pages is organized to make it easier to locate specific information such as diagnosis and treatment. MedlinePlus Mental Health topic page is a general information page that includes many mental health resources, as well as drug information, directories of providers/facilities, a medical dictionary, medical encyclopedia and more.
MentalHealth.gov
MentalHealth.gov from the Department of Health & Human Services provides one-stop access to U.S. government mental health and mental health problems information.
National Institute of Mental Health
National Institute of Mental Health is the leading federal agency for research on mental disorders. A source for general information, shareable graphics for social media, and current research news
CDC Mental Health Tools and Resources
The Centers for Disease Control consumer-friendly site for learning about and participating in mental health.
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
SAMHSA provides extensive information for health professionals but also for libraries and the public. Take the time to tour the website to locate information for your patrons and communities. Free handouts can be downloaded and ordered and social media tools are available. Treatment locators, directories, and more. Consider signing up for their newsletter (sign-up is located at the bottom of the home webpage).
Library Services for People with Mental Illnesses
ALA Guidelines for and tips for serving people with mental illnesses.
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
NAMI empowers consumers to take action, find social support for their illness and fight stigma. NAMI is a nonprofit, grassroots, self-help, support and advocacy organization of consumers, families, and friends of people with severe mental illnesses. Resources include statistics, educational materials, and local chapters.
Mental Health America
Mental Health America and its 200+ affiliates and associates around the country provide support, advocacy, and resources to address mental health needs and to promote mental health for all.
Finding Providers and Treatment
The crisis lines listed above are also a great resource for finding treatment and mental health professionals. Below are additional directories for finding treatment.
Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator
SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator is a directory of alcohol, drug, or mental health treatment facilities and programs around the country.
American Psychological Association: Psychologist Locator
APA: Psychologist Locator is a searchable directory to help you find a psychologist near you.